the chal banz blog

News is a little slow this way but that doesn't mean that I'm not on my job. I like to keep you all updated as much as I can. A name you don't hear everyday is former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. He won viewers hearts back in 2004 but he's been under the radar in recent years. Now the singer is back thanks to a stint on NBC's The Biggest Loser and a new label deal with Verve Record through famed producer David Foster. Ruben's new album Unconditional Love contains cover songs and reminds listeners on why they initially feel for him many years ago. The album's first single Meant To Be was released last month. I saw Ruben on the Soul Train Music Awards red carpet show and that was my first time learning of his new label deal. I did hear about him on The Biggest Loser and how he got voted off but was brought back thanks to some discrepancy.

Well what do you know? Blu Cantrell has finally decided to return to the music scene with a new mixtape offering and album and single to follow. First up is the mixtape; "Blood, Sweat, and Years" which will be released soon; no release date available. Second; a single; "So Sick" featuring Missy Elliott(who collaborated with Blu on a song called; "Spank My Ass"). Third; a release of a new album titled; "Never Too Late". While Blu has faded into obscurity; people online had been questioning her whereabouts and return to the game for awhile. The singer released two albums; 2001's "So Blu" and 2003's "Bittersweet". After her career taking over overseas; Blu resorted to the UK and was pretty much there all the time. After awhile rumors of bizarre behavior and drugs threatened to ruin Blu's career. Now the singer is back and hopefully ready to turn things around. Ruben Studdard is returning with a new album; "Letter...

I haven't heard much from Ruben Studdard lately then again who has. Unless you count the duet he did with KeKe Wyatt; the horrible remake of the 80s classic; "Saturday Love". Anyway he and his beloved wife are heading to Splitsville. Read more below: Bad news for "Sorry 2004" singer Ruben Studdard...remember him..."American idol" winner? Anywho, he and his wife Surata McCants, who married in 2008, have filed for divorce. TMZ reports 33-year-old Ruben filed the papers in Alabama citing, Irreconcilable Differences. The couple has no kids. But Ruben was also embroiled in tax problems to the tune of $200,000 right after their wedding.

Ruben Studdard joins KeKe Wyatt on the debut single; "Saturday Love"; a remake originally performed by Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle. It is the first single to KeKe Wyatt's upcoming album; "Unbelievable". The album will be in stores and online June 14. If you recall KeKe Wyatt released an album; "Who Knew" last year I believe. KeKe Wyatt is alright in my book but she is a little kooky. You all remember the story when she stabbed her husband? It's just something about her that is off. The video does her no justice as she seems awkward and Ruben doesn't even sound like himself to me. ---------------- Now playing: Keke Wyatt - Saturday Love (Featuring Ruben Studdard) via FoxyTunes

---------------- Now playing: Sam Sparro - Sally via FoxyTunes I would like to introduce this new post entry you will start to see a lot of. 'Career Profiles' is just what the title indicates. It is basically a profile on a particular artist which features detailed information on different aspects of their life and career. You just might learn something you didn't know. We all know her as the 2004 winner of "American Idol". We also know her for many personal trials and tribulations that she has endured during her career. Style - Fantasia's personal style is one that has been ridiculed ever since her 2006, "Fantasia" album. The album which was a huge departure from her debut marked the beginning of Fantasia's freedom and experimental style. Gone were the sophisticated pantsuits in favor of clothing that didn't quite accentuate her figure. There was a level of tackiness involved in Fantasia's personal style. It made everyone ask "W...

---------------- Now playing: Ciara - Get In, Fit In via FoxyTunes Ciara is currently on a press junket promoting new album, "Fantasy Ride" in stores May 5. The album recently leaked online in full and the response has been positively overwhelming. Looks like Cici has a hit on her hands. Music Biz: Sean Paul Returns! Sean Paul announced Friday (April 24) that he will release his first album in three years, "Imperial Blaze," on August 18 through VP/Atlantic Records. To mark the occasion, the Grammy-winning dancehall artist released a new song entitled "So Fine" on his official website, allseanpaul.com. The track is produced by Stephen "DiGenius" McGregor and set to debut on all radio formats May 1. Ruben Studdard Returns! Second season "American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard isn't calling his new album, "Love IS," a comeback, but he does acknowledge that he hopes the May 19 release will "reconnect me to the 20-some odd mi...

There is never a shortage of new music as far as Ne-Yo is concerned. There is always a new song leaking from this singer/songwriter. Check out his newest leaked track! Audio: Ne-Yo - Waiting Former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard returns with his upcoming Sony debut album. Check out Ruben's first single produced by Stargate and written by Ne-Yo. If Ruben is fishing for a hit with this new song, you don't usually go wrong with this coveted trio! Audio: Ruben Studdard - Together You can't get any hotter than The-Dream from a production standpoint(Single Ladies...anyone)and now an artist. His new single, "Rockin That Thang" is #3 on the R&B charts and his new album, "Love vs Money" will be in stores March 10. Check out The-Dream as takes viewers behind the scene of his album photoshoot. Video: The-Dream - Album Photoshoot Deborah Cox Gives Birth To Baby Girl! DEBORAH COX, has given birth to her third child today. The 3-time JUNO Award winner and her...

Christina Milian is hard at work on her new album, "Dream In Color" which hits stores real soon. Her album's first single, "Us Against The World" didn't have much of an impact so she is moving forward with second single, "Zipper" produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. The two producers have a huge hand in shaping up the disc's sound. Let's hope this disc is hot and gets the attention it deserves. You can't deny how much Trina grinds! She is always putting out new music or jumping on the latest remix to one of the country's hottest songs. Her latest features are certainly no exception. Check it out! Audio: GS Boys feat Trina - Stanky Leg Remix Jennifer Lopez is returning to the music scene this year with two albums, a Greatest Hits package a new full-length studio album. Where this new song comes from is anyones guess but I figure in the coming days we will know for sure. Check out the newly leaked single from Jennifer Lopez! Prod...